National Wear Red Day is an initiative from the American Heart Association designed to shine a spotlight on heart health and encourages you to take an active role in protecting your cardiovascular wellness. Many risk factors for heart disease are preventable through awareness, healthy routines, and community encouragement. This year, Balanced Dukes is collaborating with the School of Nursing, as well as other campus and community partners, to create opportunities that inspire us to learn, take action, and prioritize our heart health.

Here are a few ways that you can participate in this initiative:

WEAR RED
An easy way to participate is to simply wear red on Friday, February 6th. The American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day invites people across the country to wear red in support of cardiovascular health awareness. Wearing red may be a small gesture, but it represents solidarity and helps draw attention to the importance of prioritizing our heart health. 

GET A FREE HEALTH SCREENING
Knowing your numbers, like blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index is essential because these values can give you a quick glance at how hard your heart is working and potentially indicate your risk for cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is often called the “silent killer” because many dangerous changes happen without clear symptoms until the condition becomes severe. By staying on top of your numbers, you can spot potential issues sooner, make proactive lifestyle adjustments, and partner with your healthcare provider to help prevent serious complications. Know some of your vital numbers such as blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose and learn a little more about each of these.

The School of Nursing will be available for free health screenings on Friday, February 6, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Wine-Price (Pathways). No appointment necessary.

TAKE A FREE FITNESS CLASS (on and off campus!)
Physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your heart and boost overall well‑being. Exercise plays a key role in preventing heart disease by improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, managing cholesterol, and reducing stress. If you are new to exercise, or just looking for something different, consider a group fitness class:

1. Take advantage of free group fitness classes right here on campus, by checking out what UREC has to offer.
   • Choose from Power Yoga, Cycle Fitness, Barre, Pilates, and more. JMU faculty, staff, and their spouses can attend these classes at no cost. You can view a full listing of classes and register here: https://www.jmu.edu/recreation/activities/group-exercise/index.shtml
2. In addition to what is offered at UREC, we are excited to partner with our community to offer a free kickboxing class for JMU faculty/staff on Friday, February 6th.
   • Kickboxing is a powerful way to support your heart health by improving endurance, lowering stress, and getting your blood flowing.Classes will be offered at the following times:
     6:00 a.m. – 6:45 a.m.
     4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (express class)
     (Classes will be held at Next Level Martial Arts 610 N Main St, Bridgewater, VA)

 Register here: https://jmu.questionpro.com/goredkickboxing

ATTEND A WORKSHOP
Later in the month, on February 20 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), join the CFI and Department of Nursing for a special presentation: The Risks of Heart Disease in Black/African American Populations, led by Modjadji Choshi (CHBS). This workshop focuses on cardiovascular health in the Black/African American community. Learn from experts about the social determinants of health and their impact on heart disease risk factors. All faculty/staff are welcome. Register here.

Whichever activity you take part in, we hope you’ll support our heart‑health awareness efforts and GO RED with us in February!